The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU to join the planned nationwide strike slated for Wednesday
DAILY GIST reported that NLC had on Friday rolled out a plan to shut down the country’s economic activities following the removal of fuel subsidy and increment in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit.
The NLC writes all its 43 affiliate unions to mobilise for a scheduled industrial action primed to begin on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
The strike follows the increment in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit. Some of the affiliates of the NLC include – the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives among others.
“The fuel subsidy is gone,” Tinubu had declared, adding that his government would instead channel funds into infrastructure and other areas to strengthen the economy.
The presidential pronouncement led to an instant resurgence of fuel queues across the country, with Nigerians lamenting the sharp increase in the price of petrol at the various filling stations.
Although Tinubu’s decision received backing from the NNPCL and the House of Representatives, it has since been resisted by the NLC and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.
The president while meeting the progressives governors on Friday promised to review the minimum wage as a way of providing a cushion against the hardship of subsidy.
The development however did not go well with the union who insisted that the President cannot unilaterally take a decision on subsidy removal.
In a letter written to the affiliates which was signed by the NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Congress said, “We bring you greetings from the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress. You will recall that arising from the National Executive Council meeting held on 2nd June 2023, it was decided that Congress will embark on a nationwide action and withdrawal of services, against the fraudulent increase in the prices of fuel across the thirty-six states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the FCT.
“Please be informed that the nationwide action will commence on Wednesday, 7th June, 2023. To this effect, all National Leadership are expected to mobilise their members for the action and ensure full compliance with the directives as services in both the public and private sector are expected to be fully withdrawn by Wednesday, 7th June, 2023. All Presidents and General Secretaries are expected to help ensure the implementation of the decisions of the National Executive Council,” the NLC remarked.
It could be recall that the organised labour union had declared total support for the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi during the general elections.
And after being partisan during the election, some Nigerians see the NLC strike action over the patriotic removal of fuel subsidy as a pro-Peter Obi stance.
